We all have those moments when we can’t shut off the waterworks. Crying allows us to release, be dramatic, and then get over whatever problem we have and move on.
There are many places to get the deed done. Sometimes you cry with a friend or maybe in the shower. But what about those times when you need a good cry when you’re in public? When you can feel the tears begging to fall out of your eyes and your throat tightens from forcing them away.
This article will give you a few tips on how to keep that sad face on the down low when you’re in a public situation.
You’re in charge of an event.
This is one time where you’re going to have to suck it up. You are the face of the production—whatever it may be. People are looking to you for leadership and guidance.
Start by excusing yourself—a good place to go is the bathroom. Sit down or stand up but make sure you’re as comfortable as you can be. Start with the oldest trick in the book by taking deep breaths. Make sure you take at least ten good ones. It’s important to try and keep the tears in because it could make your face blotchy and red and cause your makeup to run.
Think of happy things, keep a goal of getting through the event and then you can go cry as much as you please in your room. Another trick is to just belt a peppy song—try anything by Katy Perry. It will take your mind off things enough to pull yourself together.
Don’t call anyone close to you— it may cause you to cry involuntarily.
Don’t think about whatever it is that made you cry in the first place.
The key is to think positive and know you won’t be at the event forever.
You’re in class.
Get out of there. Go to the bathroom or maybe a stairwell if there’s no bathroom on the classroom floor. Then let it all out. If you can, bring your makeup bag with you to touch up after you’re done crying. If it’s a really serious issue, leave class all together and go back to your room. Make sure to email the professor immediately though to avoid getting in trouble.
You’re at an audition/interview.
Much like being in charge of an event, it’s important to get it together ASAP. You are essentially selling yourself and the first impression may be all you get. You may not have time to get to a private place like a bathroom. Begin with deep breaths and immediately stop thinking about what made you upset. That is key. In your mind, go back to a good memory or something that keeps you focused.
If you can, strike up a conversation with someone around you because that will distract you and force you to keep it together. Remember why you’re there and what you hope to accomplish and make that your number one priority. Sometimes the mentality you have will be enough to wipe those tears away!
You and your boyfriend get into a public fight.
This one is tricky because the source of your pain is right in front of you. If you’re in a place like a foreign country or you took the same transportation from point A to point B it’s important to stick together. Don’t make any rash moves and don’t allow your partner to either.
If it’s a full-blown yelling match and people have noticed you already, it’s probably safe to cry in public. Just don’t go all out wailing because it may infuriate your significant other further. You can also use the bathroom trick if there’s one nearby. Tell your lover you will be back soon. Make sure you establish a meeting spot.
If there’s nowhere to escape to try sitting on a bench and cooling down together. Maybe do something distracting like going into a shop or getting something to eat. If you really hate each other and one of you does walk away in anger, then keep in contact by phone. If the other refuses to text back just say something like “I’m going into the Urban Outfitters store, please come back soon.”
If it’s a rare moment where neither of you has a phone, the best plan is to stay where you are. This may be hard because you REALLY hate them and want to show them no one walks away from you! But at the end of the day, that will make the situation worse. Your sweetie will miss you sooner rather than later and come back.
Remember…
We are all human and everyone cries. If it’s something super serious like a death or an emergency call than it’s okay to leave. People tend to be more understanding than not. I hope this helps and may you have many smiles instead of tears in your future.